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Slicers – computer specialists who write and repair computer programs – are an accepted part of corporate, military, an industrial life, due to their ability to keep computers running smoothly. But their skills are not exclusive to their trade. Outlaw slicers, computer specialists with criminal motivations (or at least an anarchistic bent), have made their mark throughout the galaxy on all levels of business, government, crime, and the military. When a necessary computer job is illegal, an outlaw slicer can do it – and most likely, has done it before.

Some outlaw slicers do what they do because they love the challenge. Some embrace the “no more secrets” philosophy and “information liberator” lifestyle.

Others simply appreciate the huge piles of credits that clients pay them for illegally tampering with the clients’ business competitors, romantic rivals, or political enemies. Outlaw slicers commonly lack any concern for the privacy of others. Information stored anywhere on the HoloNet or other information storage and retrieval systems is fair game, even if it’s guarded by multiple levels of password protection and mundane security. The information is out there to be discovered; getting at it provides the challenge.

Tech specialist and scoundrels make the best outlaw slicers, for their combination of computer expertise and deception skills. Outlaw slicers tend to work in private and in secret, rarely needing the kind of social skills that nobles acquire. Soldiers involved in information warfare sometimes become outlaw slicers, though their skills are strictly directed and their activities are monitored by their superiors.

Requirements
To qualify to become an Outlaw Slicer, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.Skills:Computer Use 8 ranks, Craft (Computers) 4 ranks, Forgery 3 ranks, Read/Write Language (Binary)Special: The outlaw slicer must own a custom-built slicing computer, ranging in cost from 2,500 credits (for a desktop model) to 5,000 credits (for a handheld model the size of a datapad). The character can build such a computer herself or modify an off-the-shelf model for this purpose. Custom-building a slicing computer is a high-complexity Craft (Computers) task. Modifying and off-the-shelf- model is much easier, requiring only a Repair check (DC 25) and additional parts and components equal in value to one-fifth the total price of the computer.

Class Features
The following are class features of the outlaw slicer prestige class.

False Identity
By tweaking a database here and there, the outlaw slicer creates an alternative persona for himself, complete with life history, goals, and employment record. To all appearances, he is a law-abiding citizen with no criminal proclivities whatsoever. The character’s Reputation bonus from levels of the outlaw slicer prestige class does not apply (either as a bonus or a penalty) to Bluff checks he makes to deny his true identity.

When operating online, the outlaw slicer gains a +2 competence bonus on all Reputation checks made while using his alternate identity. Additionally, any attempt to trace the outlaw slicer suffer a -4 penalty to Computer Use and Gather Information checks.

Bonus Class Skill
Sometimes, being an outlaw slicer means going into dangerous places and risking dangerous situations. A slicer benefits by having skills outside this normal mode of operations. The outlaw slicer may designate any one cross-class skill (except for a Force-related skill) as a class skill.

Slicer Specialization
At 2nd, 5th, and at 9th level, the outlaw slicer selects a function of the Computer Use skill (Conduct Complex Search, Write Program which includes Digital Warfare, Alter Program, Break Computer Security, Operate Remote, or Ship Systems). The outlaw slicer gains a +2 bonus on Computer Use checks to perform that function. Additional selections of the same function increase the bonus to +4 and +6, or the slicer may choose a different function each time.

Skill Mastery
At 6th and 10th level, the outlaw slicer designates a skill. When making a skill check with this skill, the outlaw slicer may take 10 even if stress and distraction would normally prevent him from doing so. He becomes so certain in the use of this skill that he can use it reliably even under adverse conditions.